Quick Release Cargo Net for Convertible Vehicle

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for attaching a cargo restraint system to the incorporated rollbar of a motor vehicle with convertible or removable top. By utilizing this existing portion of the vehicle, added cargo retention can be provided for, by attaching an apparatus around said rollbar extending around the rear perimiter of the passenger area. In order to retain maximum driver visibility, said apparatus will consist of netting material similar to that used in fishing, bordered by a heavier material to enable attachment to the vehicle. By utilizing an existing feature of the vehicle, the user is not required to modify any portion of the vehicle in order to attach the invention. Additionally, by not sharing any points of attachment with the existing top, the user is able to utilize the invention with or without the existing convertible top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A system including apparatus for restraining cargo within a vehicle employing a removable top and rollbar, by attaching a removable net around the rear perimiter of the vehicle. By utilizing the existing rollbar as a frame, the system keeps wind from blowing objects out the back of the vehicle when driving with the top down or removed. The invention further provides easy removal and installation of said system, as well as rear compartment access and convertible top operation while installed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the invention relates to retaining cargo and personal possessions in any make or model vehicle with a removable top and rollbar. It is designed for use when the roof and sides are removed, but may be used in conjunction with any form of canopy or top. Additionally the attachment system allows for access to rear cargo from either side or the rear of the vehicle through quick release attachments at locations on each rollbar attachment.

The invention provides cargo security while driving, by placing a restrictive net around the rear perimiter of the vehicle. By utilizing the existing rollbar as a frame, the net keeps wind from blowing lighter objects out of the vehicle when driving with the top down or off. In its' preferred embodiment, the invention is also capable of restraining heavier cargo from falling cut of the vehicle, creating a larger cargo containment area. Quick release attachments allow easy access to cargo without the necessity of complete removal. Additionally, the system is designed so that vision and convertible top operation are not hindered.

Any convertible owner can attest to the loss of non-secured items due to wind while driving with the top down. Most consider this as a justifiable expense for the experience of open air driving. While the aforementioned system does not promise the prevention of loss, it is designed to greatly reduce the chance of items blowing out of a vehicle without interfering with the convertible experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates the invention in its entirety comprising of three separate netting units.

-   -   a. The left side unit     -   b. The right side unit     -   c. The rear unit     -   d. Side unit fastener     -   e. Rear center fastener

FIG. 2 shows the invention in its preferred embodiment as attached to a vehicle.

FIG. 3 illustrates the method of attaching the mounting devices to the left and right unit assemblies.

-   -   a. Front side fastener     -   b. Attachment of fastener to webbing

FIG. 4 shows the addition of the second quick release fastener to the rear strap of the side units.

FIG. 5 illustrates the construction of the rear center attachment strap and fastener on the side units.

-   -   a. Hook and loop assembly     -   b. Rear center of side unit

FIG. 6 shows a closer view of the invention as attached to the vehicle with focus on the connections to the rollbar.

-   -   a. Detail of lower front attachment     -   b. Detail of lower rear attachment     -   c. Detail of rear center attachment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be fully described and illustrated for further clarification of the detailed embodiments. Although alternate methods and similar or equivalent materials to those described herein may be used in the construction and mounting of said invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. Accordingly, this invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the described and illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather these embodiments as provided solely for the purpose of clarification and thorough understanding as to the nature and scope of the invention. The practical application of the invention to accommodate the wide variety of vehicle designs and dimensions requires the ability to modify the inventions dimensions and attachment methods. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 1 illustrates the invention in its entirety, comprising of three separate netting units. Each unit is a trapezoidal shaped net bordered on all sides with heavy duty material which has interconnect and mounting devices attached. The left side (a) and right side (b) units will be of the same dimensions but assembled as to be mirror images of each other. The rear unit (c) will be constructed in the same manner as the sides but to different dimensions. Each unit will consist of a single piece of netting bordered on front and back of the perimiter with webbing material. The side units will be constructed with the upper and lower border webbing cut longer than the horizontal dimensions of the netting, creating a strap (d) to which one or more devices will be incorporated for vehicle attachment. An additional webbing strap and device will be attached to the rear vertical section of said side unit (e). Accordingly, the rear unit will have the suitable attachment devices corresponding to each rear attachment device on the side units.

FIG. 2 shows the invention in its preferred embodiment as attached to a vehicle. When attached as intended, the invention will border the outer perimeter of the vehicle from the drivers side around the tailgate to the passenger side. A closer view of the attachment at the right rear corner of the vehicle demonstrates how the rear unit connects to the side unit by way of quick release fasteners.

FIG. 3 illustrates the methods for attaching the front fasteners (a) to the side unit assembly. The fasteners will be attached by looping the extended border webbing through the device and doubling the material back against itself (b), forming three layers of material which will then be stitched together creating a length of material with the fastener permanently affixed at the position required for the specific vehicles design.

FIG. 4 shows the attachment of the rear fasteners to the top and bottom rear straps of the side unit. In addition to the buckle type attachment used on the front of said unit, a quick release mechanism will be attached to allow connection of the rear unit to each side unit.

FIG. 5 details the rear center strap of the side assemblies. The rear center strap will utilize hook and loop material in addition to the quick release device. This hook and loop material is of the same width as the strap and long enough to encircle the rear rollbar (a). The hook and loop material will then be stitched at the center to the rear center strap at a point midway between the fastener and the netting (b).

FIG. 6 illustrates the attachment of the invention to the vehicle at specific points. The front of each side assembly is attached to the vehicle by looping the extended strap around the front rollbar and back through the buckle attached to said strap (a) at both top and bottom of the netting assembly. The rear of each side assembly is likewise looped around the rear rollbar in the same manner (b), permitting the additional fastener to be available for connection to the rear net. Attachment of the rear center connectors is accomplished by wrapping the hook and loop material around the verticle midpoint of the rear rollbar and securing (c). The rear netting assembly is then connected to the now attached side assemblies by way of the integrated quick release connectors. 

1. The arrangement for attaching a cargo containment net to a motor vehicle wherein a portion of the structural member is a rollbar.
 2. A vehicular cargo containment apparatus comprising: a) A net consisting of at least one piece, extending around the perimiter of the vehicle rollbar, wherein a portion may be a vertical net extending from the driver side rollbar around the rear perimiter of the vehicle to the passenger side rollbar, b) A plurality of rollbar attachment apparatus to connect said net to each rollbar support, wherein each attachment apparatus described in claim 2b may be disengaged from said vehicle upon manipulation of said attachments. wherein each element described in claim 2 may be used in conjunction with the convertible top without removing or altering the invention.
 3. A vehicular cargo containment apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said net contains at least one partially detachable section for cargo access.
 4. A vehicular cargo containment apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said at least one of said rollbar attachment elements may be a strip comprised of nylon, polyethelyne, canvas or fiber.
 5. A vehicular cargo containment apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said at least one of said rollbar attachment elements may be a strap comprised of plastic, fiber composite or metal.
 6. A vehicular cargo containment apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said at least one of said rollbar attachment elements may be a buckle comprised of plastic, fiber composite or metal.
 7. A vehicular cargo containment apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein at least one of said rollbar attachment elements may be a compression fitting comprised of fiber, plastic or metal. 